""The main thing I want them to experience is what Palestinians are known for: the hospitality," said Yazan Elayyan, who lives in San Jose. "You go to any booth, they will greet you with a smile." Elayyan came out with his non-Palestinian friends so he could share with them a bit of Palestinian culture. Booths displayed tatreez, traditional Palestinian embroidery, and handicrafts, as well as Palestinian food, fashion and music."
"Draped in an outfit made of traditional Palestinian keffiyehs, or scarves, internationally acclaimed Palestinian artist Dana Salah was one of the headliners and drew large crowds who sang along in Arabic to her hits. It was a full day devoted to celebrating Palestinian heritage. But with a fragile ceasefire holding, many Palestinian Americans are holding out for lasting peace and a fully sovereign Palestinian state."
"Having saying I was Palestinian a year ago felt like a taboo. But now, I say, 'I'm Palestinian' and everybody's like, 'Yes!'" said Joulyana Ibrahim, a Milpitas resident. Ibrahim was born and raised in the West Bank. She immigrated in 2007. She and her friends say that under the backdrop of war, the day wasn't about politics or protests. They say it is about Palestinian resilience."
Thousands attended the 46th annual Palestine Cultural Day in Redwood City to celebrate Palestinian heritage. Attendees experienced hospitality at booths offering tatreez embroidery, handicrafts, food, fashion, and music. Many participants wore traditional keffiyehs; headliner Dana Salah performed and drew crowds singing in Arabic. Palestinian Americans expressed hope for lasting peace and a fully sovereign Palestinian state amid a fragile ceasefire. Some attendees described a shift in public recognition of Palestinian identity since last year. Organizers and visitors emphasized resilience, the importance of cultural transmission to children, and growing solidarity reflected in increasing turnout over the past two years.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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